Fire destroys dozens of shops at Jammu market near railway station

A major fire swept through Shiva Market near Jammu Railway Station late Sunday night, leaving dozens of shop owners facing significant losses. The fire started in a single shop due to an electrical short circuit before rapidly spreading to nearby establishments, ultimately consuming between 35 and 40 shops in the densely packed marketplace. Emergency responders worked through the night to bring the blaze under control and prevent further damage to surrounding structures. The exact monetary loss and any injuries from the incident remain to be assessed. Fire department officials have launched an investigation into the precise cause of the electrical malfunction that ignited the blaze. The incident underscores ongoing safety concerns at commercial markets across the region, with many older structures lacking adequate fire safety measures and emergency protocols.